Crowley Logistics will take delivery of 300 energy-efficient reefer units from Maersk Container Industry (MCI) in March 2021, it will be the third delivery of equipment to the carrier from the manufacturer in less than a year.
[s2If is_user_logged_in()]The new reefer containers will improve Crowley’s operations in Central America. In mid-December, MCI co-ordinated the latest delivery of 355 Star Cool Integrated 40’ high-cube units to Crowley in Santo Tomas, Guatemala.
Since 2017, Crowley has invested more than US$160 million in new cargo equipment for its fleet, aiming to ensure equipment availability at origin for perishables moving through the cold chain.
“Crowley’s continued investment in its reefer fleet reflects a significant commitment to the markets of Central America and the Caribbean,” commented global head of sales & marketing at MCI, Anders Holm.
Crowley’s vice president, corporate equipment & maintenance, Andrew Davis highlighted the importance of having high quality reefer equipment in the right quantities and positions to manage peak perishable seasons. “The new containers’ environmentally friendly Star Cool refrigeration units boost efficiency and reliability that enhances value and capabilities in the cold chain,” he said.
Crowley has opted to utilise MCI’s StarConomy, an energy optimisation software that prioritises cargo care, setting as a default on their entire Star Cool fleet in order to further enhance the efficiency and eco-friendliness of the units.
This software has the ability to control both compressor and fan speed at the same time. By running the fans at a lower speed when allowed by the cargo, the motors generate far less heat while using significantly less energy than standard mode. By balancing compressor and fan speed, StarConomy accurately matches air circulation to cooling demand, ensuring an ideal environment for delicate, chilled produce, according to the company.
Accurate temperature control protects produce quality, according to MCI which noted that “unlike other economy software programmes, StarConomy does not undershoot supply-air temperature compared to set point.”
MCI went on to explain, “To ensure maximum produce protection, StarConomy operates at full capacity to reach the set point as quickly as possible and once that has been done, the optimisation process begins.”
StarConomy constantly fine-tunes the temperature to keep it as accurate as possible, while substantial cost savings are achieved without compromising produce quality, according to MCI’s statement.
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